One thing we must have to admit that never before in our country have there been such hot shot discussions on by-elections, which have always been seemingly irrelevant, unimportant and less appealing as more often than not they acquire very limited news space!

In fact it won't
be an exaggeration to say that most by-elections in India either pass
unobserved and unnoticed or they are sidelined by the charisma of
general elections.

But this is
2014. India is politically getting into its early youth…and
excitement and maturity both are growing day by day. So is it the
only reason why the recent by-elections in four states have become
talk of the town if not a rumble?

It would have
been a YES, had there not been some more important reasons. At least
two things that made these by-elections very exciting!

First…after
the spectacular victory of BJP in recently concluded Lok Sabha
elections there was really a deadly silence among its rivals like
Congress, JDU, RJD etc., courtesy the near rout shock wave.

There was a
sting of "demoralization" throbbing them from inside.
Particularly for JDU and Nitish Kumar in Bihar, by-elections in 10
seats were like the only hope to revive there existence…just
like dubte ko tinke ka sahara.
May be that was the reason why they worked so hard even didn't
hesitate to become super opportunist for the mere by-elections. Same
logic can be extended to the Congress in particular and UPA in
general. It was just like quenching an intense thirst.

Second…the
popularity of Narendra Modi. At the moment Modi seems to be
invincible. Particularly the recent booing episodes were really like
biting nails for Congress and its UPA partners who are trying hard to
prove it as plotted by BJP. It was necessary for them to prove their
survival at any cost. So somehow these by-elections were the only
available options at present for them to get some ground to tackle
"Modi Magic."

However as the
results are out, getting into the various scrutiny of different
political analysts, two major things are coming out:

One …some
believe it was a litmus test for the alliance JDU-RJD in Bihar, who
were arc rivals before. The shock wave of near rout in general
elections compelled them to bury their enmity. Along with the
Congress this uncommon opportunistic alliance was successful to stop
BJP juggernaut. It may further create a greater future for non-NDA
parties in Indian politics.

Second…some
feel that it was a referendum for Modi-led NDA at the Centre for
their three months performance, which was not that impressive. They
even don't hesitate to exaggeratedly term it as a jolt or shock to
NDA. Hence the inference is, may be the Modi Magic is fading.

However I don't
concur with both the above analysis as the reality is very different.
Because I feel, by-elections are by-elections and they often go in
favor of the ruling government. It is very rare to find a by-election
that not privileged ruling party.

Secondly, there
has been a very low voter turnout around 47% in Bihar. So how can it
be taken as the mood of the people? Even how can it be a referendum
to Modi's performance at the Centre?

Thirdly, it must
be noted that no central leadership campaigned in Bihar from BJP. In
fact looking at the minimal resources used by the BJP in these
elections, four seats with still number one party in Bihar is not at
all bad. So isn't it too early to celebrate Nitish-Lalu alliance?

Bypoll results
may not necessarily be same for future elections. Neither the
preparation will be the same. So it is too early to give verdict on
"whether the Modi Magic is still prevailing or not."

One thing I must
admit here that none can take public for granted even if it is Modi,
BJP or RSS. Elections are won or lost at booth level. So ground work
is always the most important thing to win elections. So it is better
to for them to take it as a wakeup call.

However
democracy is a game of balance. It functions very well when there are
more competent players with intense competition as the real winner
are at the end its people only!

At least these
by-election results may boost moral of opposition to fight with
unbeatable Modi in particular and BJP in general.

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